By Judy Newell
Mexico News
New Riu Palace Kukulkan Opening November 26.
A new, adults only, holiday experience is arriving in a prime Cancun Hotel Zone location, Palace Kukulkan.
Introducing new services such as a mixologist, a new burger bar by the pool, and offering new and improved room experience, with upgraded bedding, streaming options, and additional choices in a 24-hour room service menu as part of its renowned All-Inclusive Service.
Cruise News
Why is Cruising so Popular Right Now?
Cruises have been attracting more and more travelers due to their affordability and ease of planning. Compared to typical land-based travel, the logistics of a cruise are simple. Travelers don’t have to worry about arranging hotels, transportation between destinations, meals, and activities for themselves.
And cruises are also shockingly affordable. Many cruises can be booked for between US$100 to $300 per night per person. This is much less than what a hotel room would cost in many destinations, and your cruise fare includes lodging, meals, and transportation.
Of course, the cost of cruises can go up depending on whether you upgrade to a larger stateroom, purchase a premium beverage package, or add on cruise excursions—but overall, cruises can be budget-friendly vacations, especially if you choose your dates and itinerary wisely.
Traveling during the off-season—all in Europe, for example, can lead to some incredible deals.
Make Music on the Mighty Mississippi.
Cruise down (or up) the Mississippi and take in all the music, culture, and incredible cuisine on Tauck’s 11-day “Life on the Mississippi” itinerary.
Visit sites immortalized in American history and song from Beale Street in Memphis to the French Quarter in New Orleans as you explore the sights with local experts and savor multicultural culinary traditions along the way.
Included is an exclusive private performance at New Orleans’ Preservation Hall, and a Creole and Cajun cooking class. Roll on the river aboard the 166-guest, 83-cabin paddlewheeler American Duchess, an American Queen Voyages ship.
Aviation News
Delta Imposes Time Limit in Airport Lounges.
Airport lounges are cracking down on frequent flyers using faculties as an all-day remote office.
Airline lounges are now bringing in time limits. Delta Air Lines has imposed a limit of three hours at Delta Sky Club.
Travelers have been using lounges and free food and drink for hours, but the air travel recovery is putting pressure on lounge capacity.
American Express Centurion lounges also have a three-hour time limit.
Expanding Waistlines Forcing United Airlines to Fly with Empty Seats.
United Airlines is operating some flights with empty seats due to the increasing weight of the average air traveler. The airline is blocking off up to six middle seats on Boeing 757 flights because of federal weight and balance restrictions.
Airlines have to account for a little more weight per passenger due to heavier winter clothing while base weight averages were increased in 2019 to account for the increasing weight of passengers.
United is forced to keep seats blocked through April 30. From 2015-2018, the average U.S. adult male weighed nearly 200 pounds (90 kilograms) with a 40-inch waist, up from 166 pounds in 1960, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Deal of the Week
Go Gentle Down the Ganges.
Enter a world of color, culture, and spiritual tradition on Avalon Waterways’ “Colorful India and the Ganges River” itinerary. The journey begins in Delhi with a city tour that takes in the world’s largest brick minaret, Qutub Minar, and the Chandni Chowk bazaar.
Then head to Agra to join a sunrise excursion to the magnificent marble Taj Mahal.
You’ll enjoy the city of Jaipur, with its famous Palace of the Winds, and spectacular Amber Fort before flying to Kolkata to board your Ganges River cruise. Explore the fascinating Hare Krishna headquarters in Mayapur, and visit Saint Mother Teresa’s former home upon your return to Kolkata.
The holy river of Hinduism, the Ganges, slowly courses through one of the world’s most fertile and populated areas. Along its banks, human life is connected to its waters and you’ll get a glimpse of life away from India’s big cities.
Colorful India and the Ganges River
13-day river cruise Delhi to Kolkata, starting at US$7,107 $6,107
2023 cruise dates: Jan. 25–Feb. 6; Sep. 11–23; Oct. 14–26; Oct. 30–Nov. 11
Start Sooner, Stay Longer.
Colorful India and the Ganges River with Southern India and Varanasi
18-day river cruise Cochin to Kolkata, starting at US$9,440 $8,440
Colorful India and the Ganges River with Southern India, Varanasi, and Kathmandu
21-day river cruise Cochin to Kathmandu, starting at US$10,997 $9,997
• Port charges: US$98
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers are included.
• Avalon offers solo travelers the opportunity to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for over 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities, and budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico, and international travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email at judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: Travel Mole, Travel Off Path, Escape, and Avalon Waterways.
